Category Archives: Heartburn Remedy

Burning Throat

Posted on by duran

Burning ThroatA burning sensation in the throat can be caused by several conditions but heart burn, or reflux disease commonly known as GERD is one of the major causes. A burning throat is when the throat experiences irritation, inflammation and swelling in the esophagus. The esophagus is the passageway from the throat down to the upper end of the stomach. When it becomes inflamed it can be painful and often unbearable.

 

Causes of Burning Throat

The esophagus is an important part of the digestive system since when a person eats or drinks this muscular passageway is the first entry into the stomach. The esophagus starts at the throat and is located behind the trachea and in front of the spine. The esophagus passes down to the sphincter which is the opening that empties any food and liquid into the upper part of the stomach.

 

The sphincter at the top end of the esophagus stays closed until a person swallows, and then it opens to allow the food and drink to pass through. Food and liquids are squeezed through the esophagus by the contracting muscles and the production of mucus to help the food pass through. Once the food gets to the top of the stomach, the lower sphincter opens and the digested liquids pass into the stomach.

 

There are times when the sphincter at the top of the esophagus will open even when no food or liquid is present which will let stomach acids enter the esophagus. In mild cases this is referred to as heartburn. But sometimes the condition occurs often and creates the sensation of constant burning in the chest and throat. If it happens constantly it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. If GERD is left untreated it can damage the esophagus.

 

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

Many people will experience the sensation of burning throat more in the morning, as the stomach acids have built-up over night when the person is laying down. If there are drool marks on the pillow upon awakening that is often a sign of acid reflux. The drool occurs when the throat produces excess saliva because it wants to prevent the acids from entering the throat area.

 

Some people will feel as if they need to vomit when they arise in the morning because of the sour taste in their throat. If they do happen to vomit and only dark green fluids are expelled it is also an indication of a problem with stomach acids developing. Other indications of acid reflux can include:

 

•a cough that is persistent

•mouth pain

•post-nasal drip

•throat inflammation or scratchy feeling throat

•gassy stomach

•pain in mouth for no apparent reason

•sour taste in mouth

•bad breath

 

If these conditions persist it is recommended to contact the family doctor to rule out other conditions. A burning throat from acid reflux can be incorrectly associated with allergies or other conditions so a doctor should diagnose the problem. A person could even experience a change in their voice.

 

Understanding Burning Throat from Acid Reflux

When the acids in the stomach back up into the throat it causes a burning sensation. If the acid continues to back up into the throat and mouth it can even begin to rot the teeth in severe cases. It is important to control the flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus.

 

Some people with GERD can develop Barrett’s esophagus which is when the cells in the lower esophagus actually begin to change and resemble the cells that are in the stomach. These cells handle the acids from the stomach better, but can sometimes turn into cancerous cells. It is better to prevent this condition from happening, even though it could provide relief.

 

Treating Burning Throat

The best way to eliminate the burning throat sensation is to cure or treat the GERD. Many people take over-the-counter antacids to help with the acid, but taking them over a period of time can cause other problems.

 

One way to help reduce the buildup of acids is by changing diet and lifestyle. Many people think that drinking milk will neutralize the acids in the stomach, but milk should actually be avoided, especially before going to sleep because milk is very heavy and contains acids. Drinking fluids throughout the day to help keep the throat from getting dry and irritated will help. Liquids that will neutralize acids include tea with honey, plain water and fruit juice. The throat muscles can be relaxed by drinking warm water with a little salt.

 

Monitoring the intake of calories can also be beneficial in keeping acids from backing up into the throat. Caffeine, garlic and alcohol should be avoided, along with fried foods and citrus foods such as tomatoes. Restricting calories can also result in weight loss, which will help GERD if a person is overweight.

 

Other lifestyle changes include never going to bed right after eating. Wait at least two or three hours after eating to let the food in the stomach digest completely and acids to decrease before lying down. Eating five or six small meals throughout the day instead of three large meals can help prevent the buildup of acids in the stomach. Eating slowing will help keep GERD from developing.

 

Monitor foods that tend to trigger heartburn and try and avoid those foods. Sometimes spicy foods, peppers, chocolate, onions, alcohol, citrus fruits, fatty foods and even peppermint can result in bad heartburn. Keep a diary of food triggers so that they can be avoided. Even smoking has been related to GERD.

 

A natural way to treat burning throat associated with GERDS is to use a vaporizer to keep the air moist and ensure easy breathing. Dry air will irritate the throat. Taking cough or throat lozenges can also provide temporary relief from the burning feeling.

 

Exercise is another lifestyle change that can help prevent GERD attacks. Daily exercise of 30-minutes either walking, swimming, cycling or aerobics will help get the body in good physical shape. Anyone who has not participated in an exercise routine should consult with their doctor before starting.

 

For those people who find that their heartburn gets worse when they lie down, raising the head of the bed so that the head is higher than the chest may help. Placing blocks under the bottom of the headboard can accomplish this. It is not recommended that a person use lots of pillows to raise the head, as this could result in neck strain and creating an angle that could put extra pressure on the stomach and increase the heartburn.

 

Drinking more water will often help dilute stomach acids in the stomach. This will also keep the throat moist.

 

Eating foods that help increase the production of saliva are often recommended, such as hard candies. The saliva helps to keep the acids away from the throat and in the stomach. Cabbage is another food recommended by many doctors as it can speed up the digestion of foods.

 

If diet and lifestyle changes do not work to ease heartburn and burning throat, doctors may prescribe proton pump inhibitors which are medications that will work to keep stomach acids under control. Proton pump inhibitors block acids from forming in the stomach.

 

H2 blockers may be prescribed for people who require prescription medication for GERDS. H2 blockers block the production of acid cells in the stomach. The difference between proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers is that proton pump inhibitors do not work as immediately as H2 blockers, but they work for up to 24 hours while H2 blockers work for only 12 hours.

 

Managing Burning Throat

If the burning throat lasts longer than a few days it is important to consult a doctor to determine the best way to detect and handle GERD. The doctor will often prescribe heartburn medication, and if that works to relieve the symptoms then they will know that the burning throat is being caused by GERDS. The doctor can also perform an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to diagnose GERD. The doctor will use an optic tube that the patient swallows into the gastrointestinal tract so that the esophagus, stomach and duodenum can be seen. If the lining of the esophagus is inflamed it makes the diagnosis of GERD easier.

 

Most doctors will use esophageal acid testing to diagnose GERD. People who have GERDs actually produce more acids than those who do not have the condition. A pH test can determine the levels of esophagus acids by using a catheter that is passed down the nose into the esophagus. This test takes about 24 hours to complete but is an accurate way to diagnose the condition.

 

It cannot be determined why one person will develop GERD and burning throat sensations and another person will not. Weight, diet, lifestyle and genetics are often considerations when diagnosing severe heartburn. It is recommended that natural modalities of treating GERDS should be the first step in controlling the condition.

 

Prescription medications or surgery may be indicated for very severe conditions that do not respond to natural remedies, but should be considered a last resort to solving the problem. There are several medications available, but they all have side-effects associated with them, even the over-the-counter medications.

 

For a comprehensive overview of acid reflux and GERD, Reflux Remedy www.reflexremedy.com is an excellent resource. Information on causes of acid reflux, diets, natural cures, cures and remedies are available in one comprehensive website. It provides information that can help a person suffering from burning throat manage their condition. GERDs can be managed with the right information and resources that help people effectively cope with the condition. Contact Reflux Remedy today.

 

 

 

 

Why Do I Get Constant Heartburn?

Posted on by duran

Why Do I Get Constant HeartburnHeartburn is the burning sensation that people get when the acid of the stomach meets up with the lining of the esophagus that is the tube that transmits food from the mouth to the stomach. In addition, it is the most frequent symptom of acid reflux disease.

Each time the stomach acid reaches the esophagus, the reaction is the excruciating feeling, which is a powerful burning in both the throat and the chest. Heartburn is inclined to happen or worsens after eating, when bending over, or after lying down in the evening.

Heartburn can have many causes that bring on the constant discomfort. Some of these causes are listed below. Fatty and fried foods cause problems when a person’s digestion is slow. This causes problems when the stomach is pressured and thrusts the hydrochloric acid into the esophagus. Coffee, tea and all other drinks that contain caffeine relaxes the muscles. This will have an effect on the sphincter muscle of the esophagus. Chocolate includes Theo bromine that produces a similar result as caffeine, which causes the loosening of the rings of muscles that protect the esophagus.

Eating varieties of vegetables and fruits that have a high acid content such as onions, citrus, and tomatoes, or drinking carbonated beverages can be irritating and cause heartburn.Tobacco and alcohol cause a reaction like caffeine as they have chemicals that relax the lower sphincter muscle of the esophagus. Alcohol can boost acid production. Wearing clothes that are close fitting can put pressure on the stomach and force the acid out of the stomach.

Heartburn occurring at night is very common. Several issues can add to the problem. One is swallowing. Saliva aids in defusing stomach acid, but people, tend to swallow less during sleep. Therefore, they have a smaller amount of saliva to help stop the burning out of the esophagus. The second issue is gravity. When one lies down, the gravity is not capable of retaining the stomach acid in the stomach, so it tracks back into the esophagus without difficulty.

The more physical causes of constant heartburn are the dysfunction of the sphincter, the ejection of stomach acid from the stomach, the increased relaxation of the muscles that surrounds the sphincter, and a hiatial hernia.

Additionally, damage to the esophagus can cause the esophagus to be more sensitive to acid reflux.

Many people who experience constant heartburn indicate that a chaotic life and stress linked to work affects heartburn. Even though stress is not immediately associated with heartburn, it can cause reactions that can set off heartburn. When people go through stress, they do not carry through with regular schedules as to eating, medicine, and exercise.

Remedy Reflux at www.refluxremedy.com gives a comprehensive out look on Acid Reflux for related conditions. Readers will find information on cause of GERD and as well as a natural cure for acid reflux, home remedies for heart burn, treatment for GERD and information about Hiatal Hernia.

Readers will find a section for testimonials about the treatment for Acid Reflux and a blog where readers can share information about remedies for Acid Reflux.

Get Rid of Heartburn

Posted on by duran

You probably love the taste of a juicy cheeseburger loaded with ketchup, mustard and onions. Chocolate and coffee may also be on your list of weaknesses. They are all triggers for some serious heartburn. Other irritating but tasty foods to watch out for are orange juice, tomato sauce, soft drinks, and fatty and fried foods. What is heartburn, what are the symptoms and how do I try to rid myself of its painful presence?

Heartburn is that burning sensation in your chest, after eating something like fatty food or one of the many other heartburn favorites. Your stomach digests food using gastric acid that is supposed to stay in your stomach; however, in the case of heartburn, the stomach acid churns its way back up the throat leaving a terrible taste in your mouth and damaging your throat in the process. You may notice that heartburn shows up or it will get worse when lying down or bending over, which is why it is recommended to wait at least three hours after eating before lying down. Lying down and bending over creates abdominal pressure that pushes the stomach upward. Frequent heartburn is known as GERD. Frequent heartburn that interferes with your daily routine may be a sign of a serious medical condition. At some point, almost everyone is at risk for heartburn, and besides the usual food triggers, stress and anxiety seem to make the condition worse. There are many remedies available for heartburn relief either by prescription or over the counter; however, drugs have side effects, so it may be preferable to take a more natural approach.

Getting to the root of the heartburn problem is how to find a real solution instead of masking the symptoms. An obvious suggestion is to maintain a healthy weight. Excessive weight is bad for your health in many ways, and the extra weight increases pressure pushing up the stomach causing acid to back up resulting in heartburn. Same thing goes with wearing tight clothing around the waist. The clothing acts as a band wrapped tightly increasing pressure in the abdomen. Don’t smoke. Smoking is unhealthy and is a stimulant containing irritating chemicals. Eat smaller meals and don’t supersize everything. Ask yourself if you really need all that food. Try eating a delicious apple. Many people have tried alternative methods such as massage, gentle exercise, aromatherapy, and even hypnosis with great success. Another common solution to heartburn is elevating the head of your bed with blocks, or you can try a wedge under your pillow.

If you suffer from occasional heartburn like, try one or few of these natural remedies. Eating smaller meals and eating an apple a day may have other healthy benefits besides heartburn relief. As with any medical condition including heartburn, see your doctor to rule out anything serious. Keeping the acid in your stomach is the goal, and finding the root of the heartburn problem is the solution. Contact Reflux Remedy to find out more about getting rid of heartburn today!

Cure Heartburn

Posted on by duran

Heartburn is a common digestive problem that affects more than 60 million Americans at least once a month. It is a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid that flows back up into the esophagus. Though heartburn is not a cause for alarm, it can signal other more serious problems, such as acid reflux or GERD. Many people can manage it with lifestyle changes, over-the-counter medicines and natural home remedies.

In order to prevent and cure heartburn, lifestyle changes are an absolute necessity. A person who suffers from this digestive problem should start by making changes in their eating habits. Start by decreasing the portion size of meals, try to eat five to six small meals during the day and eat slowly. Avoid eating three hours before bedtime to give the food a chance to fully digest. Stay away from foods that trigger heartburn, including raw onions, garlic, black pepper, citrus fruits or juices, tomatoes, spicy foods, chocolate, high-fat foods, coffee, tea and carbonated drinks. Avoid drinking alcohol, particularly red wine, as it can trigger heartburn in some people. Make sure to drink plenty of water.

There are other factors besides diet that can trigger heartburn. Try your best to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts pressure on the stomach causing acid to back up into the esophagus. Stop smoking, as nicotine weakens the lower esophageal sphincter and stimulates stomach acid. Avoid stress, which increases acid production and causes heartburn. Wait at least two hours after eating in order to exercise. Regular use of aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the esophagus. Other medications that cause heartburn include blood pressure and heart disease medicines, sedatives, narcotic painkillers, tricyclic antidepressants, progesterone, chemotherapy drugs, osteoporosis drugs and medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Some over-the-counter medications are effective at treating heartburn. Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acids, thereby relieving heartburn and acid indigestion. Some popular antacids include Alka-Seltzer, Milk of Magnesia, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids and Pepto-Bismol. Acid reducers work by reducing acid production in the stomach. Over-the-counter acid reducers include Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB and Zantac 75. Pepcid Complete is both an antacid and acid reducer. As with all medications, these OTC products can have side effects. If heartburn persists for more than two weeks of taking an OTC product, a person should contact their family doctor, who can provide them with a prescription.

Natural home remedies can help a person to deal with heartburn. Manage your stress through alternative treatments: aromatherapy, massage, listening to music, hypnosis and gentle exercise. Some people have found the following natural remedies effective in curing heartburn: eating bananas, chewing almonds or basil leaves, eating fresh papaya or in tablets, eating ginger, drinking milk mixed with 7Up, drinking a daily tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, drinking a teaspoon of baking soda with eight ounces of water, drinking chamomile tea and aloe vera juice.

Heartburn can be uncomfortable and painful. However, by making some dietary and lifestyle changes, a person can prevent and cure heartburn. For more information on heartburn cures be sure to visit Reflux Remedy today!

Chronic Heartburn

Posted on by duran

Almost everyone experiences acid reflux, or heartburn, from time to time. This is typically caused by eating spicy or acidic foods. However, if you experience heartburn often, or more than two days in a row, you may have a condition referred to as acid reflux disease, or GERD. GERD, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic condition which causes frequent heartburn that does not go away on its own. GERD is typically caused by the failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to close, which allows for stomach acid to be expelled into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

While typical heartburn is not usually a cause for concern, chronic heartburn can be very dangerous, leading up to conditions as serious as cancer. Over time, the stomach acid that is uncontained can cause cellular and molecular changes that can lead to the development of tumors. Stomach acid in the esophagus can also eat away at the lining of the throat, leading to more severe pain, as well as the need for more invasive treatment options.

People suffering from chronic heartburn are typically prescribed medication to control the problem. These medications work by affecting proton pumps. These proton pump inhibitors allow for the body to not produce as much acid, thus relieving symptoms. Another treatment option is to ingest an antacid before and after a meal to reduce the acid level in the stomach. However, these medications would need to be taken on a continual basis to control symptoms of GERD.

Aside from medication, another way to control and prevent acid reflux from occurring is to modify your lifestyle. Controlling what foods you eat may be one of the easiest forms of acid reflux disease treatment. Avoiding spicy foods with a high acidic value is recommended. Other factors, such as smoking and alcohol intake come into play as well. Smoking reduces the strength of the lower esophageal sphincter, meaning it is more likely that acid will be expelled into the esophagus. Also, the position in which you sleep can effect the severity of GERD symptoms. Sleeping with your head elevated may be one way to combat the amount of acid making its way up the esophagus. Finally, obesity can effect GERD, so it is recommended to maintain a healthy weight.

If your doctor recommends it, surgery is also an option. Most surgical procedures work by strengthening the lower esophageal sphincter, thus eliminating the chance for acid to reach into the esophagus. Surgery is only recommended in severe cases that have been unresponsive to medication, so it is important to explore all avenues of treatment before considering surgery.

As mentioned, most people will experience heartburn symptoms at some point or another in their lives. This is normal and the heartburn should disappear within a day. If you have found yourself suffering from heartburn on a frequent basis, it is very important to contact your primary care physician to be examined, as well as discuss treatment options. Remember, chronic heartburn is a very serious issue and should not be dismissed.

 

To learn more about the causes and cures for chronic heartburn be sure to visit Reflux Remedy today!

Natural Remedy for Heartburn

Posted on by duran

According to a study completed in April of 2010 by Pamela R. Kushner, Clinical Professor at the University of California, 42 percent of people in the United States have experienced heartburn. Otherwise known as acid indigestion, heartburn is a painful condition where stomach acids climb into the esophagus. This causes pain behind the breastbone which may radiate up to the throat and jaw. While some cases of heartburn can signal a heart attack, the vast majority of cases are caused by far less serious conditions. If you suffer from the latter, you may be wondering what kind of natural remedies you can employ. Lifestyle changes, baking soda, bananas, and ginger are all safe, natural methods for reducing heartburn.

Changes in Lifestyle

Smoking, alcohol consumption, and eating foods such as citrus fruit, chocolate, and caffeinated beverages can all irritate your stomach and bring about severe attacks of acid indigestion. Making changes to avoid these factors will have a positive effect on your heartburn. What’s better is that your diet can still be varied, complete, and nutritious without these items. If you are concerned about vitamin C deficiency, consider a multi-vitamin to replace the citrus fruit. According the University of Maryland Medical Center, you can also add dark-green, leafy vegetables, watermelon, and cantaloupe to your diet to get vitamin C without suffering heartburn as a result.

Baking Soda

Baking soda works as a natural remedy by releasing carbon dioxide when mixed with water. This will both neutralize stomach acid and allow you to burp. Many individuals report that this is quite soothing and calms the stomach. However, some people report that this belching can allow acid to come up into their throat, exacerbating the condition. Try it yourself and discontinue if it doesn’t work well for you.

Bananas

The Drexel University College of Medicine reported in 2007 that bananas help with heartburn and upset stomachs by encouraging the lining of your stomach to produce more mucous. This mucous then coats the lining, forming a protective barrier between the lining and the stomach contents, including acid. As an added benefit, bananas also help reduce high blood pressure. Two a day is recommended for maximum results.

Ginger

The National Cancer Institute supports the use of ginger to support healthy digestion as well as lessen or eliminate nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a host of other gastrointestinal ailments including heartburn. Ginger has been cultivated and used in cooking for over 4,400 years in Asia. It can be used in tea, chewed raw, or used as a spice to help calm your stomach. This natural remedy is quite popular and only comes with one caveat: those taking blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin) should avoid it due to potentially dangerous clotting complications.

Using these natural remedies for heartburn, you can get relief without resorting to prescription medication. If one method doesn’t work for you, feel free to try another. As with any chest pain, if you are at all unsure that what you’re experiencing is really just heartburn, see a doctor immediately. If you are certain of your diagnosis, download our Reflux Remedy Report at www.refluxremedy.com for even more ideas for beating heartburn.

Natural Heartburn Relief

Posted on by duran

Heartburn is a painful conditi”naturalon that most people experience at some point in their lives. Symptoms of heartburn include burning in the back of the throat and a sour taste in the mouth. While it may seem like a mild condition, persistent heartburn can lead to lack of sleep, negative mood, and poor nutrition. Doctors may attempt to solve this problem by prescribing expensive drugs with problematic side effects. However, this is not the only solution. Natural heartburn relief remedies can come from common household substances, making them a safe and inexpensive choice. Further, simple lifestyle changes can help reduce the occurrence of heartburn.

Foods That Help Heartburn

Certain foods, such as baking soda and bananas, act as natural antacids. Simply consuming these foods can help neutralize stomach acids, thereby decreasing the risk of heartburn. Baking soda should be dissolved in a glass of water to consume, while bananas are eaten either dried or fresh.

Some teas may also help to reduce the incidence of heartburn. Chamomile tea has long been used to relieve stress and calm an upset stomach. Experts believe that this tea can help neutralize stomach acids. Ginger tea is also a great tea used to treat heartburn. Ginger helps to reduce inflammation and stimulates the gastrointestinal system. Finally, some people believe that mint tea can be helpful at reducing painful heartburn symptoms. Indeed, mint is known to soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation. However, others indicate that mint exacerbates heartburn symptoms. As such, it is important to develop a treatment regimen that is specific to each person’s specific needs and sensitivities.

Aloe vera juice is another popular new treatment for heartburn. This natural juice can be purchased at any health food store. When choosing a juice, it is important to ensure that it is labelled safe for internal consumption. Drinking this juice before meals can help soothe an irritated digestive system.

Turmeric, found in the spice aisle, is a popular ingredient in curries. Using turmeric in cooking can help stimulate digestion and prevent acid production. Those who do not wish to use this in cooking can also purchase turmeric in capsule form.

Other Dietary Changes

While it is always helpful to have certain foods or supplements that can remedy heartburn, there are a number of more general dietary changes that can help reduce the incidence of this painful condition. For example, eating many small meals throughout the day can help. Most people eat three large meals a day, which causes the stomach to distend and increases acid production. This small change can make a big difference for heartburn. Further, eating a healthy, high fiber diet that consists mostly of whole foods is the best choice for those who suffer from heartburn.

Heartburn can be a frustrating condition, particularly for those who suffer from it daily. However, there are many dietary changes and supplements that can help provide natural heartburn relief. For more information on natural heartburn remedies, be sure to download the Reflux Remedy Report at www.refluxremedy.com today.